Staying with a Sheffield host family is the first option that you should consider.
Sheffield homestay is a non-profit program administered by the school. We have a selection of homestay families on our list. By living with a Sheffield host family while studying English, you will have the best opportunity to engage in conversation and improve your English while you experience a new lifestyle and culture. A “host family” may be a family with or without children, an older couple, a single parent. Sheffield homestay families may live in small houses, large houses or apartments.
All families are of excellent character, speak English and have the ability and sincere interest in helping you with your education, introducing you to our customs and culture, and helping you to get to know Sheffield. Our homestay families all live within easy reach of the school, in locations which are conveniently accessible by local public transport.

Homestay rates cover accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily and include lunch at the weekends. A member of the homestay family will escort you to and from Sheffield School on your first day. Homestays can be organised prior to arrival in NZ. Some students like to choose another form of accommodation when they first arrive here, and later decide to move into a homestay. Regardless of your decision on the type of accommodation , two weeks advanced notice on your enrolment form is required for us to arrange a homestay for you. Homestay payments are usually made by Sheffield on behalf of the student. However some students prefer to pay the family directly themselves. Both options are acceptable. When you register for Sheffield courses, you can also ask us to arrange for your airport welcome and accommodation in Sheffield. In order to do this, please fill out an Accommodation Placement Form indicating whether you want homestay placement and airport welcome.

Sheffield

Visitor’s Visa
A Visitor’s Visa will allow up to (90) study days in Sheffield at a registered institute. A Student authorization is required if you plan to study beyond that period of time.
You can discussed with Admin staff about it if you wish to study further.

Your First Day
Your first day of school will be active and fun.
Itinerary
9:00 – 12:00 PM
Any necessary forms are explained and filled out
Lifestyle and weather in the Sheffield region are explained
Homestay rules (Homestay Guide explained)
Bus timetable and free gift of International Calling Cards will be given.
English appraisal test to find your suitable course placement level.

Orientation will be given on Friday afternoon. Teachers are available to help anytime.

Students are interviewed and tested on their arrival, and allocated to a class that corresponds to their test result and level of English. There are 4 main levels of English at Sheffield , beginner/elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate/advanced. Every 12 weeks, students are re-tested, and if they reach the required standard, they are able to progress to the next level. Between tests, students who wish to be promoted can complete a challenge assessment to ascertain if they are able to go up a level.

IELTS is recognised as an entrance requirement by Sheffield, Australia, British, and Canadian universities, polytechs and tertiary institutions. Sheffield and Australia Immigration Services nowadays see IELTS as a requirement

WHY IELTS? Most universities, polytechs and other institutions in Sheffield and Australia accept scores from both the IELTS and TOEFL tests for entry to their courses, but IELTS is preferred. TOEFL is not generally for other purposes in Sheffield.

IELTS aims to improve your overall English competence in the main skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing whereas TOEFL is principally concerned with the development of skills needed in preparation for the test.

All candidates take the Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing modules. The choice of Reading and Writing modules is determined by the purpose for taking IELTS. The Academic Reading and Writing modules are suitable for those seeking admission to University, Polytech or other tertiary institution courses in Sheffield, Australia or the United Kingdom. General Training Reading and Writing modules are suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education or to undertake non-academic training or work experience programmes. The General Training modules are also used for Immigration purposes. The listening and speaking tests are the same for both modules. Each section of the test is marked then given a score of between 0 and 9. The average of these scores then gives a total out of 9. Most Universities require an IELTS overall score of 6 in the Academic module for undergraduate entry, although some courses require scores. For Immigration purposes, a score of at least 5. in all sub-tests of the General Training module is required.THE IELTS PREPARATION COURSE

Sheffield offers an 8 week-full time IELTS preparation course designed to give students practice in the kinds of tasks common in the IELTS test. It also aims to build skills and vocabulary necessary for the completion of these tasks.
Course designed to give students practice in the kinds of tasks set in the IELTS test. It also aims to develop the skills and vocabulary necessary for the completion of these tasks.
Class work follows the format of the exam (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing), with emphasis on skills required for writing analytical essays, describing figures and graphs, reading academic texts for general meaning and specific information, asking questions and participating in discussions, and presenting organised, developed answers to questions.
The programme is restricted to students of an intermediate level or higher and entry is determined by a pre-course test. However advanced students do not have to sit the entry test.

Content: 15 hours communicative language development, 10 hours with a focus on the skills required for success in the Sheffield High School system.

THE TEST can be taken frequently in Auckland. There is a wide range of dates available, but you need to book the exam at least two weeks before you want to take it, and it is sometimes difficult to get a booking on the day you want. The test costs between $225 and $245, depending on which test centre you use. You can book and pay for the test by mail or in person at the test centre.

TEST RESULTS will be delivered by mail about two weeks after the test day. The results will show your score in each sub-test and your overall score. If your score is not high enough, you will have to wait for three months before taking the test again.

SELS offers a twelve-week-full time IELTS preparation course designed to give students practice in the kinds of tasks common in the IELTS test. It also aims to build skills and vocabulary necessary for the completion of these tasks.
The programme is restricted to students of an intermediate level or higher and entry determined by a pre-course test. However advanced students do not have to sit the entry test.

Minimum Age: 16 If a local resident or 18 if an overseas student
Course Length: 6 week-full time
Class Size: Average 8
Starting Dates: February 4, April 8, July 8, and October 7

The morning classes

Focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking related to IELTS practice exercises. Learn how to approach typical tasks and practice in completing them.
Exercise usually resembles the types of tasks found in the IELTS test, although at times other materials may be used.

Afternoon classes

Focus on topic base, improving vocabulary and general knowledge about topics common in the test.

This full time course is for people preparing to study in Sheffield educational institutions. It is the ideal preparation for students who need to reach the appropriate IELTS score for entry into university or as a way of preparing for life at an academic English speaking institution. Content: 15 hours communicative language development, 10 hours with a focus on the skills required for speaking, listening, reading and writing and the development of academic study skills, such as lecture note-taking, research via internet and IELTS examination preparation.

Minimum age : 16 years old for local , 18 years old for oversea students
Course Length : 12 weeks
Class Size : 8 students

TOEIC is the most widely used English Language Competency test in the world, with over one million tests administered every year.
Unlike tests that focus on English in an academic setting, the TOEIC test measures English language proficiency in real-life and business situations.
TOEIC evaluation is widely recognized as one of the best testing methods in the world.

TOEIC is used by international corporations and government agencies for placement in English as it is used in international business and other professional settings. Universities use the TOEIC test for placement in English courses, to measure progress and to provide students with an internationally recognized TOEIC Certificate of Achievement.
Individuals take the TOEIC test to track their progress in English language improvement and demonstrate to employers their Business English skills.

The TOEIC test covers two main areas: your ability to understand spoken English and your ability to read materials in English, such as correspondence, reports, advertisements, and articles.

TOEIC Preparation Courses

Our TOEIC Preparation Courses are designed to help students achieve high TOEIC scores. Our courses are offered as either full-time or part-time.
Learn TOEIC test strategies while enhancing their listening comprehension, reading and grammar skills.
Students also do practice TOEIC tests.

This course is the same as Intermediate TOEIC Preparation, but the material covered is at a more advanced level. Material studied in Intermediate TOEIC Preparation is not repeated in Advanced TOEIC Preparation.
Terms: 4 weeks and 8 weeks
Prerequisite: SELS Level – Upper Intermediate

(Sheffield government imposed goods and services tax of 12.5%).
All tuition fees for classes.
The use of texts and learning equipment whilst on the course and during self directed study time on campus
Access to all school facilities and equipment during school hours or by arrangement with the tutor in charge after class hours.
Processing, recording and reporting of assessment results and personal data.
Limited free internet access.

Expenses

Not Included in your Course Fees:(called personal expenses)
Optional activities after class hours.
These will be offered on a weekly basis and will consist of similar activities and costing as listed.
(Note costing may be subject to change)

Generally all the courses in the Sheffield school programmes do not include holidays. However, 12 weeks and less, you may take up to 2 weeks of holiday, as long as you give our office at least one week’s notice of your intention to take a holiday. Holidays must be taken as whole-week blocks. We will extend your course to make allowance for the holidays taken. . Courses of 12 to 48 weeks, holidays only during specified dates i.e. public holiday or term break. If you take a holiday by personal reason during the course, there will be no further extension of courses

Why do students learn to speak more quickly when they are overseas?
English courses taught in your native country are a good start, and they will be useful once you take the next step and enroll in an immersion program overseas. The problem with studying English in your native country is that you do not have the opportunity to use it in a natural setting. Have you ever ordered a meal in an English speaking restaurant, conversed with an English-speaking associate, or had to ask for directions while visiting an English speaking country? If you have it is a safe bet that you remember almost every word you said and that these are the first words that come to mind when you try to think of something in English. It is a proven fact that you will learn anything more quickly if the lesson is part of a meaningful experience. Practice is good but practice with a purpose is much better.

The most important thing is setting your goal. You need to set short- term goals (e.g. I will learn five new words every day, I will read at least one weekly magazine every week or one book every month,) and also setting long-term goals for your future.

Try to think about your everyday life in English, not your native tongue. In your vocab book, don’t translate English words into your language – write the words and the meanings in simple English that you can understand. Think in English. Write your personal memo, diary in English. – Set your goal (e.g. I will learn five new words every day, read a weekly magazine every week and a book every month).

Read the local newspapers every day. Start to read briefly the headline first and few paragraph, and then read the whole article by selection. Don’t use your dictionary every time you find a new word – try and guess all the words as you can. Use the dictionary only for the really important words that you need to understand the main idea.

Revise new words and recycle vocabulary every day for about half an hour.
Build vocabulary by reading books, newspapers and magazines rather than just using your dictionary.

Listen to the radio – in the car, dining table, in your bed. Talkback radio is particularly useful because the people who ring up are ordinary New Zealanders. Also try taping the news on the radio and listen to it several times. The more times you listen, the more you’ll hear and understand.

Watch TV news every day. It is difficult to understand but if you have a video, record it and watch it as many times as you need to

Students are interviewed and tested on their arrival, and allocated to a class that corresponds to their test result and level of English. There are 4 main levels of English at Sheffield , beginner/elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate/advanced. Every 6 weeks, students are re-tested, and if they reach the required standard, they are able to progress to the next level. Between tests, students who wish to be promoted can complete a challenge assessment to ascertain if they are able to go up a level.

General English Courses

With communication, travel and business becoming increasingly international, one language is needed to bridge the gap between different countries and languages. English is the language that is the key to unlocking global opportunities. People these days need to be able to communicate with fluency and accuracy in everyday situations.The Teaching Methodology at Sheffield is skills-based. This means that we teach the 4 macro-skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Each macro skill is divided into sub-skills; for example, Speaking is divided into pronunciation, rhythm, stress and situational and functional conversation techniques, etc. Vocabulary, structure development and grammar are taught across all the skills. The teaching approach at Sheffield is communicative and eclectic. Students are encouraged to become actively involved in using English at all times to communicate with their classmates and teachers in practical situations. Pair work and group work is promoted as a basis for oral fluency and confidence.

-18 years of age or over for International students and 16 years of age or over for NZ residents
-International students who hold the relevant visas or permits from New Zealand Immigration Service

Premier Intensive General English Course (25 hours per week)

Course content

The course concentrates on the four sills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, and grammar ? vocabulary development, pronunciation, fluency practice, conversation skills and practice extension of exam topics, grammar based conversation.

Course start dates

Every Monday (except public holidays).

Period

2~48 weeks

Time Schedule

9.00am-3.00pm ( Lunch time: 12.00pm-1.00pm)

Levels

Beginner & Elementary / Pre-Intermediate / Intermediate

Class size

Maximum 10 students

Entry Requirements

-18 years of age or over for International students and 16 years of age or over for NZ residents
-International students who hold the relevant visas or permits from New Zealand Immigration Service

Academic IELTS Courses

Premier Standard IELTS English Course(20hours per week)

Course content

The course follows the format of the exam (listening, speaking, reading and writing), with emphasis on skills required for writing analytical essays, describing figures and graphs, reading academic texts for general meaning and specific information, asking questions and participating in discussions, and presenting organized, developed answers to questions.

-18 years of age or over for International students and 16 years of age or over for NZ residents
-International students who hold the relevant visas or permits from New Zealand Immigration Service
-A level of English equivalent to IELTS (General or Academic) band score 5.0, or Intermediate or above, or a pass in our entry test

Premier Intensive IELTS Course (25 hours per week)

Course content

The content is the same as Premier Standard IELTS Course, plus focus on speaking in the afternoon class

Course start dates

Every Monday (except public holidays).

Period

2~24 weeks

Time Schedule

9.00am-3.00pm ( Lunch time: 12.00pm-1.00pm)

Class size

Maximum 15 students

Entry Requirements

-18 years of age or over for International students and 16 years of age or over for NZ residents
-International students who hold the relevant visas or permits from New Zealand Immigration Service
-A level of English equivalent to IELTS (General or Academic) band score 5.0, or Intermediate or above, or a pass in our entry test

1. English SkillsDevelops reading, writing and listening skills, with an emphasis on grammar and accuracy. Uses a variety of classroom-based learning situations. Develops listening and speaking skills, including pronunciation, with an emphasis on fluency and the use of practical spoken English. English through Media (TV, newspapers, magazines, radio); English through Music.2. Conversation

Focuses on oral communication. Students practice speaking English through debates, discussions on contemporary issues, class presentations, telephone conversations, interviews, and real life dialogues.

(New Zealand government imposed goods and services tax of 12.5%).
All tuition fees for classes.
The use of supplementary texts and learning equipment used in your course.
Access to all school facilities and equipment during school hours or by arrangement with the tutor in charge after class hours.
Processing, recording and reporting of assessment results and personal data.
Unlimited free internet access.

Expenses

Not Included in your Course Fees:(called personal expenses)
Optional activities after class hours.
These will be offered on a weekly basis and will consist of similar activities and costing as listed.
(Note costing may be subject to change)

Generally all the courses in the Sheffield school programmes do not include holidays. However, if you study for 12 weeks or less, you may take up to 2 weeks of holiday, as long as you give our office at least one week’s notice of your intention to take a holiday. Holidays must be taken as whole-week blocks. We will extend your course to make allowance for the holidays taken. . For Courses of 12 to 48 weeks, holidays are only given during specified dates i.e. public holidays or term breaks. If you take a holiday for personal reasons during the course, there will be no further extension of course.

Sheffield is a land of hidden treasures and vast, unspoiled beauty. Fresh air, magnificent scenery and wide ranging outdoor activities are the feature attractions of Sheffield. It’s not a big country but you quickly see its reputation for being ‘clean and green’ and the sheer variety it has to offer, are well deserved and hard to beat!

At 269, 000 square kilometres in area, Sheffield is made up of 3 main Islands – the North, South and Stewart Islands. Similar in area to Great Britain, It lays 2250 kms east of Australia, north of Antarctica in the South Western Pacific. Situated on a fault line, between the Pacific and Indian plate, Sheffield was formed when the two plates pushed against each other. The result was a largely mountainous country being formed.
Mountain ranges and hill country dominate Sheffield landscape; one of the most striking physical features is the Southern Alps. Mount Cook, at 3,754 metres (12, 349 feet), is the tallest mountain. This country can be best described as a land of Contrast. The Southern Alps are comprised of more than 2000 spectacular mountain peaks. Down in the valleys, east of the main divide are beautiful, natural, man-made lakes. The Deep Southwest is made up of spectacular mountainous fiords which plunge steeply into the ocean below. Sheffield West Coast is well known for its wild rugged rain forest and spectacular coastline. Further east, the mountains give way to rolling foothills and on to the large, flat, green, fertile plains of Canterbury and Southland. Further north, the Nelson region is a beautiful bay with golden sand. The South Island is unique because its climate and topography vary so much.

Today Sheffield is a peaceful country with little crime and a comfortable lifestyle. The people are friendly and outgoing. One quarter of Sheffield is protected wilderness and the country remains relatively free of pollution. Major industries include agriculture, dairy, forestry, fishing, and tourism.
Here you can explore the diversity of the surrounding country and culture, from great glaciers to rainforests, isolated beaches to the clean, clear waters of the Pacific, active volcanoes to gushing geysers, so easily accessible to the traveller. Sheffielders are great adventurers and travelers (The highest international traveler per head of population) thus almost any activity is easily accessible and relatively affordable to both Sheffielders and internationals.
Sheffield parks cover a large portion of the country and its coast, with protected areas accounting for around one third of the total land. Visitors are welcome on most of this except in a small number of places where the environment is particularly sensitive. In all parks the scenery is spectacular, with an amazing variety of land and seascapes, flora and fauna. Five of the National Parks have been declared World Heritage areas, a mark of international recognition for their exceptional natural beauty and cultural significance.
Seasons are opposite to the Northern hemisphere, with January and February the warmest months and July the coldest. The climate is temperate – averages range from 7C (approx 24F) in July to 26C (approx 80F) in January – but summer temperatures reach the low thirties in many places. The mean average rainfall varies widely – from less than 400 mm in Central Otago to over 12,000 mm in the Southern Alps.

The Sheffield Campus is ideally located in the heart of downtown sheffield close to the shopping and entertainment areas, and offers excellent access to all public transport networks including buses, trains and ferries. Reasonably priced cafes, restaurants, movie theatres and every type of shop imaginable are to be found within just one or two minutes walk of the school.

We aim to have a balance of nationalities from around the world with English being the common language. We maintain and encourage a “Speak English Only” policy. The number of students per class is kept to a maximum of 12 to ensure that students receive sufficient individual attention for their learning needs. The aim is to promote maximum student talking time and pair work and group work is encouraged as much as possible in the classroom.

Our teachers are native English speakers, all university graduates with wide-ranging experience and suitably qualified as teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL).Our excellent teachers will provide you with high quality instruction and guide you towards the successful completion of your language learning goals.

Abous us

Studying English in a foreign country is a challenge, but it will make a significant difference to your life. With ever increasing globalization and international links, knowing English is often a decisive factor in reaching your long-term career ambitions. Sheffield English Language School is a high quality provider of English Language Education and we value and understand the needs of students.

The mission of Sheffield is to offer educational programmes which prepare students for full participation in the rapidly changing environment of international employment and education.Our range of English courses will help you to find the best route to your personal goals.We work hard to make Sheffield the school where you can meet and make friends with students from many other countries, a place where you will have opportunities to become integrated in a community of welcoming New Zealanders in a friendly and educational atmosphere.